In July Nikon announced the new Nikon AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 ED VR full frame lens (see review) that will replace the discontinued model. Nikon was even able to increase the price of the new lens by $50 to $746.95 (was $699,90 when announced - check current pricing at B&H| Adorama | Amazon).

Sad to see it go, it was a classic. But makes sense that it’d be discontinued, the new version holds up much better to modern sensors.

Justin Laidlaw

Aww really? I bought the lens last year.. should I upgrade it for the new version. I have D5500 + D7200

Roger S

I wouldn’t feel like there’s any hurry unless this zoom range is particularly important to you and your current lens can’t do things you want it to do. I’ve been happy with the AF-S G ED-IF VR version of the lens (or whatever it is) for a while and don’t see the need to replace it yet.

Neil Denyer

You don’t need to FX version for those cameras. I have the DX AFP VR version and it is markedly better than the AFS VR (which I also have). It is sharper and focuses quicker and quieter. It is also lighter and cheaper. However, its not weather sealed, and just looks …cheap! But as a way of getting an image onto the sensor of a DX camera, its great.

Well it’s not THAT much more expensive than what the old one was. If I recall correctly, the old one typically sold for $589-$600 all the time before they dropped it down to $500. Used ones typically always sold for about $300 or less.

I couldn’t help winding it out to 300, and whenever I did I was always disappointed with the results even stopped down to F8 it was still dodgy in high contrast and when at near infinite focus. That was on the D7000.